Aunt Betz, you are the epitome of a true warrior, you have been #strongandbrave during your battle with lung cancer. You have fought with amazing grace, courage and perseverance and I admire you, I have always looked up to you. Lord knows I picked up your cleaning habits from the many summers I spent with you!

I'll always remember our summer trip to Davenport, all of the lightening/heat lightening that we saw on the way there and how amazing that was. Do you remember "she da sistah?" I don't remember how it got started, but I do remember you, Debi and I laughing so hard about "she da sistah" that we were in tears and our stomachs hurt from laughing so hard! Or, the night that you were a little "upset" at how long I was taking in the shower after swimming in the Mississippi, when you needed to get in the shower too! I have the best memories of assisting with the planning and coordinating for the yearly Fourth of July bash, or assisting with the weigh-ins at the county fair. Or, if you want to go waaay back, all the times that we would use the CB to contact Uncle Rich or the guys out in the field and we each had our own handle. I don't remember what they were anymore, but I remember us having fun with the CBs!

You always have a smile and a laugh, except maybe the time that Amanda called 9-1-1, I think that was the only time I saw you angry! We still giggle just a bit when we hear "my hand is empty"! I might have used it on my kids a time or two! I always felt so comfortable talking with you about almost anything and I feel like I still can. You are the most remarkable aunt and friend I could have hoped for. I did a lot of growing up those summers with you, and feel that I learned so much from you. I cherish the memories of my summers with you, I cherish you. I hope to be able to see you soon. In the meantime, I pray that God would ease the pain that you are experiencing, but also that He would envelope you in so much love and comfort. Please know that I love you, I love you, I love you! We all love you!

“Do not look forward to what might happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cared for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from suffering or he will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations." -St. Francis de Sales